There are many times I have hesitated to do something or not do something because I felt like I needed permission. From small things like wearing the outfit or buying the thing. To big things like quitting something I once loved or ending that relationship that was no longer serving me.
Sometimes we second guess ourselves or don’t stop to listen to what our bodies are saying. Or maybe we don’t want to trust what our bodies are saying. Sometimes we need that extra push from someone we love or respect or admire to tell us it’s okay.
When I look back at all the big decisions I’ve made in my life, they often were accompanied by wisdom and encouragement from someone who loved me. Getting this permission from others helped me learn and trust how to give it to myself. Like any other skill, it takes time and practice, but it’s worth it.
Sometimes we feel like we need permission (even if we really don’t).
You can’t do all the things forever. You will eventually burn out. Or lose your sense of purpose and find yourself going through the motions of your own life.
Welcome to our new weekly series. I hope it gives you freedom to say yes to the things and say no to the things and above all to trust yourself to know what’s best for you.
Our first permission is to not do all the things. The clubs and the orgs and extra things for your jobs and classes and leading the clubs and the orgs and the classes at the gym and all the social events.
Focus on what matters. To you. In this season. It is okay if something that used to matter doesn’t matter right now. It might matter again soon. It might not. What’s important is that you focus on what is important to you in this season.
You can’t do all the things forever. You will eventually burn out. Or lose your sense of purpose and find yourself going through the motions of your own life. Give yourself permission to not do it all. Or take this permission from me if that makes it easier.
You’ve tried the way of doing everything. You know how that ends. Try the way of simple and light. The things you’re excited about. The things that care for your body and soul. And the rest — try letting it go and see how it feels. Just for this season.
If you need some more courage to not do it all check out this post about saying no, this post about trying new things but only sticking to what works, or this, this and this post about getting rid of what is causing clutter in your life.
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